FLORIDA COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

Democrat Nikki Fried has defeated Republican Matt Caldwell for the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture seat. If the results are certified tomorrow, Fried will replace Republican Adam Putnam who was barred from seeking a third term by term limits and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. With the defeat of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Fried becomes the only Florida Democrat holding statewide office. The agriculture commissioner also oversees consumer services and runs the concealed weapons permit program.